No need to break the bank, but sometimes it’s nice not to be completely money-conscious.
With some grape varieties, once you get over the R40 mark, a whole other world opens up to you – Chenin is a very good case in point. Here are 5 wines which will give you plenty of pleasure on a Friday night without any of the pain of a Saturday morning wallet-hangover.
Goats do Roam White 2012 R42 from cellar door
This is actually tremendous value for money – I nearly put it in the Budget wine section but restrained myself in time. It’s a Rhone blend and I enjoyed it as a tank sample last year when I tasted it for Platter. 6 months later, it’s knitted together wonderfully and is as good a food partner as it gets.
Springfield Life From Stone 2012 R75 from cellar door
I know this is the one from Springfield that everyone loves, but I’ve always preferred the Special Cuvee, finding that LFS can be almost too exaggerated in its green pea/grapefruit-ness. But not this year – a mixed case awaiting me on my return from the UK proved that this vintage everything has been brought into beautiful, irresistible balance and for the first time – I get what you’re all on about!
Holden Manz Rose 2012 R55 from cellar door
For one reason or another, I’ve hardly recommended any pinks this summer – but trust me, I’ve been drinking them! This was a really good example – made from Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and Shiraz, it is the epitome of summer drinking – fresh berries, clean dry finish and good length. Great with summer salads.
Kleinood Katharien Syrah Rose 2012 R65 from cellar door
Of course I have to like this wine since it appears to be (almost) named after me!! Kleinood’s red version of this wine is one of the Cape’s secret bargains and the pink is definitely in the same mould. Think lots of spiced black pepper on strawberries with a tweak of mint.
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La Motte Millennium 2010 R77 from cellar door
Traditionally this is a 5-way Bordeaux blend but Shiraz-loving winemaker Edmund Terreblanche, couldn’t resist spicing it up with 16% of his favourite variety. It’s done the wine no harm at all – in fact, it’s done the opposite, enhancing the black fruit and softening the silky tannins. Delicious bargain.